Ken Jennings begins guest-hosting duties; pays tribute to ‘Jeopardy’s’ Alex Trebek

For the first time in more than three decades, someone other than Alex Trebek introduced Monday’s episode of “Jeopardy!”

>> Read more trending news

In his first appearance as guest host of the game show, Ken Jennings was introduced and quickly paid tribute to the man who helped make Jennings a household name, at times sounding emotional.

Jennings said on Twitter that he kept a piece of “Jeopardy!” history close to him while taping the episodes — a ticket to the taping of Trebek’s first show in 1983, given to him by an unnamed friend.

Trebek died in November at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer.

Jennings first appeared on the trivia show in 2004 and became a legend when he won 74 consecutive games. He also won the most money in regular-season episodes walking away with $2,520,700, the “Today” show reported.

He also won the “Greatest of All Time” tournament last year.

He was named a consulting producer recently. He also has other hosting duties along with his GOAT opponents James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter, on a new game show called “The Chase,” CBS News reported.

Jennings is just the first of a line of guest hosts. A permanent replacement for Trebek has not been named.

“Jeopardy!” executive producer Mike Richards told Deadline a permanent replacement won’t be named before spring.

The final episode featuring Trebek aired Jan. 8 with the show airing a 90-second tribute after the credits.

Cox Media Group